A HIGH CALLING @ 23 January 1999

The followers of the LORD Jesus Christ, have a high calling placed on their lives. It is no ordinary calling, to be made into a new creation, by our Redeemer – 2 Corinthians 5:17. The Word of God goes further, and informs us, through the writings of Paul, in verse 20, that we are now, the “ambassadors of Christ” representing the God of all creation.

Such a calling is not only a high calling, like no other calling, but also a calling which requires us to lay down our everything, and at times our very lives, as we walk on this narrow path. It is no ordinary calling dear friend…it is a high calling.

On 23 January 1999 a group of violent right-wing religious mob, burn to death, Graham Staines, and his two small children, while sleeping in their jeep. When they tried to escape from the flames, the murderous mob forcefully pushed them back into the burning vehicle. The missionary, and his two very young sons, were burnt alive that day. Graham Staines, an Australian missionary, was working among the leprosy victims of remote tribal areas, of Odisha, a state in the east of India, for close to 35 years, by then.

The cost of being a disciple of Christ is very high. The LORD Jesus, speaking about Christians, and the opposition they would certainly face, says these words. The words of Jesus are relevant for us too, even today.
– “8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” – Matthew 24:8-10

Peter, writing to the early Christians, has some profound words, which are very much relevant to us, even today, as we remember Graham Staines, his two young boys, and the countless others, who have walked this path of martyrdom, as part of their calling by the LORD Jesus Christ.
– “12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified… 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter…19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” – 1 Peter 4:12-14,16,19

What are our thoughts, this morning, as we remember Graham Staines and his two little sons? Where do we stand, if we are to be called for such a life of sacrifice? May the LORD help us to walk faithfully and obediently with Him…even if it requires us to walk the most difficult of all paths. Even so the LORD help us.